Free Married in Seattle by Debbie Macomber Page B

either.
    Janine experienced one worry after another, afraid to voice any of them. Zach apparently felt the same way, because he didn’t seem any more eager to explain things than she did. Or to stop them…
    After a moment, Zach pressed his hands over her cheekbones. Leisurely, his thumbs stroked the line of her jaw, her chin. His eyes were dark, his expression unreadable. Janine’s heart was churning over and over, dragging her emotions with it. She swallowed, then moistened her lips.
    He seemed to find her mouth mesmerizing. Somewhere deep inside, she discovered the strength to warn him that her grandfather’s plan was working. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a single word, Zach’s arms came around her and drew her close against him. She felt his comforting warmth seep through her, smelled the faint muskiness of his skin. The sensations were unlike anything she’d ever known. Then he lowered his mouth to hers.
    The immediate shock of pleasure was almost frightening. She couldn’t keep from trembling.
    He drew back slightly. “You’re cold. You should’ve said something.”
    “No, that’s not it.” Even her voice was quivering.
    “Then what is?”
    In response she kissed him back. She hadn’t meant to, but before she could stop herself, she slipped her arms around his neck and slanted her mouth over his.
    Zach’s shoulders were heaving when at last she pulled her mouth away and hid her face against his chest.
    “What are we doing?” he whispered. He broke hastily away from her.
    Janine was too stunned to react. In an effort to hide his effect on her, she rubbed her face as though struggling to wake up from a deep sleep.
    “That shouldn’t have happened,” Zach said stiffly.
    “You’re telling me,” she returned raggedly. “It certainly wasn’t the smartest move we could’ve made.”
    Zach jerked his fingers roughly through his hair and frowned. “I don’t know what came over me. Over us. We both know better.”
    “It’s probably because we’re both tired,” Janine said soothingly, offering a convenient excuse. “When you stop to think about it, the whole thing’s perfectly understandable. Gramps arranged for us to meet, hoping something like this would happen. Clearly the power of suggestion is stronger than either of us realized.”
    “Clearly.” But he continued to frown.
    “Oh, gee,” Janine said glancing at her watch, unable to read the numbers in the dark. Her voice was high andwavering. “Will you look at the time? I can’t believe it’s so late. I really should be getting back inside.”
    “Janine, listen. I think we should talk about this.”
    “Sure, but not now.” All she wanted was to escape and gather some perspective on what had happened. It had all started so innocently, almost a game, but quickly turned into something far more serious.
    “All right, we’ll discuss it in the morning.” Zach didn’t sound pleased. He walked through the garden with her, muttering under his breath. “Damn it!” he said, again shoving his fingers through his hair. “I knew I should never have come here.”
    “There’s no need to be so angry. Blame the moonlight. It obviously disrupts the brain and interferes with wave patterns or something.”
    “Right,” Zach said, his voice still gruff.
    “Well, good night,” Janine managed cheerfully when they reached the staircase.
    “Good night.” Zach’s tone was equally nonchalant.
    Once Janine was in her room, she threw herself on the bed and covered her eyes with one hand. Oh, no, she lamented silently. They’d crossed the line. Tempted fate. Spit in the eye of common sense.
    They’d kissed.
    Several minutes later, still shaking, Janine got up and undressed. She slid under the blankets and tried to find a relaxing position. But she didn’t feel like sleeping. Tomorrow she’d have to make polite conversation with Zach and she didn’t know if she could bear it. She was sure he’d feeljust as